An appeal is being made for tradesmen to sign up at a restoration project in Scunthorpe town centre.

Moving from Kinsley Hall on Cole Street into the old library on Market Hill is Magic Moments for Autistic Kids.

And the charity, which works with children across the autistic spectrum, is now looking to restore the building to its former glory, with specialised rooms for recreation, crafts, sport and food preparation.

Parts will also be open to the public, with a coffee shop run by the young people and a space for parents to come for advice included in the plans.

However, with the building standing vacant for years, the group has been left with a derelict shell – even copper wiring has been removed – that needs a huge amount of work before opening.

Chairwoman Pat Ebbs said: "We've been at Kinsley Hall for around five years now and the move has upset some of the young people, as autistic children generally don't deal well with change.

"However, it's a fantastic opportunity for us and a welcome change. When it's done, it'll be of great value to us and hopefully to the local community. The problem we've got is that there's nothing here at all at the moment, not even electricity, and we've got a lot of work ahead of us."

At this stage, the group is appealing to any electricians, plumbers or plasterers able to spare time or materials.

Committee member Rachel Ely said: "The plan is to use the windows to display the names of those who have helped us out, so we hope we're able to give something back that way.

"As a team we don't have all the skills necessary, but are just hoping there are people out there that do and are willing to help."

Dave Early, a local plasterer, has already offered his services, and has begun work on some of the vast rooms in the old library.

He said: "Some of the plaster on the walls was just disintegrating when we got here – it's going to be a big job."

Magic Moments has labelled the project their "Big Build" and the group hopes to have the downstairs of the building open by September.

As well as professionals, the group hopes to involve the youngsters in the renovation of the Market Hill Street building.

Mrs Ebbs said: "We're hoping this will be a base for the long term, something the young people can feel a part of and something that can benefit the community as a whole."

Anyone able to offer their services to the group should call 01724 345154 or 01724 761373, or e-mail tricia. ebbs@ntlworld.com